What Substrate Should I Use

[Mil0002]

I am getting a 4 foot tank and I would like to have it planted pretty well with plants like amazon sword, java fern, java moss, and some other plants that are relatively easy to keep and attractive what is your opinion on the best substrate, I would like to use sand simply becuase I like the look of it but will plants grow in it, I have heard lots of different opinions but would like to know from experience, I'm only 14 so I can't exactly spend more than say $25, so expenive $100 stuff is really out of the question

thanks for the help

Daniel

 

[lilfishie]

play sand works well and is cheap, i have it in my 2ft

 

[Lateral Line]

Sand is generally a good substrate for planted tanks, but like soil, there is sand and there is sand.

The biggest problem with sand is compaction. As the sand settles, the small grains fall between the large and the whole lot packs down. This can get really hard, and develop anærobic areas which can release noxious material into the tank and surrounding air. To avoid that, you need to keep the sand loose.

Oe of the really good things with sand is that waste, uneaten food etc., sits on the surface where it is easy to see and remove. It doesn't drop between the grains and rot.

I use swimming pool filter sand. It has a very even grain size and so there are no small grains to fall between the large ones. I keep it loose from time to time by prodding around with a chop stick. I've used other sands, but the filter sand in my experience needs less "gardening".

 

[aaronnorth]

play sand on its own will be fine, if need be you can dose root tabs next to the plants, or if you can, buy some of this then put play sand on top:

http/www.warehouse-aquatics.co.uk/tetrap...-28kg-584-p.asp

 

[Crazybob]

hey,
i use flourite which is real nice, tho a little pricey. it comes with a lot of nutrients in it so you dont have to add fert tabs. the only thing i have to complain about is when i add new plants to it, it has a lot of dust like material. but if youre thinking of going with sand youll probably encounter the same kind of problem id imagine.